Marketing supporting system

ABSTRACT

A die retrieval apparatus is provided. The die retrieval apparatus includes a die data input screen creator which creates die data input screens provided with a plurality of fields in which features of a marketing object are input. The die retrieval apparatus also includes a standard die screen creator which is actuated by inputting data items into respective fields on the input screens. When a marketing object corresponding to the respective data items exists, the standard die screen creator creates a standard die screen for displaying a price relating to the marketing object. When no marketing object corresponding to the respective data items exists, the standard die screen creator creates an error indication.

This application is a divisional of pending U.S. patent application Ser.No. 09/720,250, filed on Jan. 8, 2001, in the names of Masanori NANBU etal., which was the National Stage of International Application No.PCT/JP99/03802, filed Jul. 14, 1999, the disclosure of which isexpressly incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. TheInternational Application was not published under PCT Article 21(2)

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a marketing supporting system. Inparticular, to a technical field for performing an efficient productproposal, and for implementing instantaneous answer of estimation tovarious product requirements and order reception input in a marketingplace.

BACKGROUND ART

Conventionally, marketing of a product such as a die for machining isperformed through marketing activities in which a sales person visits aworking factory or the like to conduct business activity, which isso-called door-to-door selling style.

In the door-to-door selling, when such a product as a die is proposed toa customer, a sales person merely selects a product(s) from manyproducts through paper catalogs to explain the product(s) therethrough.

Also, when a die required by a customer is a die with a special shapewhich is not a standard die, the sales person brings a die specificationdrawn on such a sheet as a paper which is required by the customer backto a design department of his/her company. In this design department,design and check of drawings (verification about whether or not thespecial die can be manufactured) are conducted and the result isnotified to the salesperson. The sales person prepares an estimate forthe die on the basis of the result and visits the customer again topresent the estimate and receive an order of the product. Theinformation about this order reception is input into a database in ahead office of the company to issue an instruction to a manufacturingdepartment after he/she comes back to his/her sales station or the like.

In such a process, however, there is a drawback that a product(s) cannotbe presented to a customer(s) efficiently. Also, there is anotherdrawback that, when a sales person is asked by a customer, he/she cannotanswer the question efficiently.

Furthermore, when a die with a special shape (hereinafter, calledspecial die) is ordered, such an order is brought back to the companyand a design and check of drawings are conducted in the designdepartment. For this reason, there is still another drawback that anestimate including an appointed data of delivery cannot be presented tothe customer immediately, which results in that a long time is requiredfrom an order reception to delivery.

Simultaneously, since a sales person brings back a specification of aspecial die based upon a handwriting indication, an oral indication orthe like to give a person(s) in the design department the specification,there often occurs an error of an original instruction of a customer ormisunderstanding of the sales person. For this reason, there occursclaims from customers because manufactured products do not meetspecifications.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

The present invention has been made in order to solve the above problemsin the conventional art.

An object of the present invention is to present a product to a customerefficiently and in a various manner.

Also, another object of the present invention is to answer a customer'squestion to a product instantaneously and allow sales or marketingactivities in a uniform level.

Furthermore, still another object of the present invention is todetermine whether a standard product requested can be manufactured andwhether or not a special shaped product requested can be machined in adoor-to-door selling place.

Moreover, another object of the present invention is to allowinstantaneous estimation and order reception input in a door-to-doorselling place.

The summary of a marketing supporting system according to the presentinvention for solving the above problems is as follows:

One feature of the present invention is to provide an increase profitcalculating apparatus which can grasp cost consumption easily and cangrasp cost reduction easily and rapidly.

The increase profit calculating apparatus comprises:

-   -   first die screen creating means which creates a first die        apparatus screen (205) for displaying a first die apparatus; and    -   increase profit screen creating means which is operated in        response to a click operation of a specific mark on the first        die apparatus screen and which creates an increase profit screen        (207) for displaying increase profit occurring by employing the        first die apparatus instead of a second die apparatus        corresponding to the first die apparatus.

The increase profit screen comprises:

-   -   question item fields (207 a-207 d) on which a plurality of        questions about operations of the first die apparatus and the        second die apparatus and relating to costs following the        operations are presented;    -   a field (207 i) on which a first total cost is displayed within        a predetermined time period due to use of the first die        apparatus;    -   a field (207 j) on which a second total cost is displayed within        the predetermined time period due to use of the second die        apparatus; and    -   a field (207 k) on which an increase profit field for displaying        increase profit obtained by employing the first die apparatus is        displayed.

Then, the increase profit calculating apparatus is provided withcalculating means which calculates the first and second costs and theincrease profit according to an answer to the questions from anoperator.

According to the above configuration, cost consumption can be graspedeasily and cost reduction can be grasped easily and rapidly.

It is preferable that the question items in the increase profit screen(207) includes the number of die apparatus exchanges per one day, a timerequired for die apparatus exchange per one time, personnel expenses perpredetermined time, and the number of working days within apredetermined term.

A second feature of the present invention is to provide a inferiorityphenomenon countermeasure guiding apparatus which allows search andselection of an optimal countermeasure to a inferiority phenomenon. Theinferiority phenomenon countermeasure guiding apparatus comprises:

-   -   inferiority phenomenon screen creating means which creates a        inferiority phenomenon screen (209) for displaying a plurality        of inferiority phenomena in predetermined kinds of workings such        as punching or the like; and    -   inferiority phenomenon cause screen creating means which is        actuated by clicking a inferiority phenomenon display portion in        the inferiority phenomenon screen and which creates a        inferiority phenomenon cause screen (211) for displaying a list        of causes (such as fatigue of a spring, a clearance        unsuitableness and the like) causing the inferiority phenomenon.

It is preferable that the inferiority phenomenon countermeasure guidingapparatus further comprises avoidance information screen creating meanswhich is actuated by clicking a portion displaying one cause in the listof causes and which creates an avoidance information screen (213) fordisplaying information for avoiding the one cause.

It is preferable that the inferiority phenomenon countermeasure guidingapparatus comprises specific die screen creating means which is actuatedby clicking a predetermined portion of the inferiority phenomenon causescreen (211) or a predetermined portion of the avoidance informationscreen (213) and which creates a specific die screen (217) fordisplaying a specific die for avoiding the inferiority phenomenon.

According to these structures, it is made possible to search for andselect an optimal countermeasure to an inferiority phenomenon easily.

Another feature of the present invention is to provide a inferiorityphenomenon countermeasure guiding apparatus for a die for bendingmachining. This apparatus comprises cause/countermeasure display screencreating means which creates a cause/countermeasure screen (223) fordisplaying a cause of a inferiority phenomenon in a predetermined kindof workpiece such as bending workpiece or the like and a plurality ofcountermeasures of a first type for avoiding the inferiority phenomenondue to the cause; and

-   -   countermeasure explanation screen creating means which is        actuated by clicking a portion displaying one countermeasure in        the cause/countermeasure screen and which creates a        countermeasure explanation screen (225) for explaining specific        contents of the countermeasure through a drawing(s) and a        character(s).

This inferiority phenomenon countermeasure guiding apparatus furthercomprises specific die screen creating means which is actuated byclicking a predetermined portion of the cause/countermeasure screen orthe countermeasure explanation screen and which creates a specificbending die screen (227) for displaying a specific bending die foravoiding the inferiority phenomenon due to the cause.

According to the above structure, it is made possible to select anoptimal bending die rapidly when an inferiority phenomenon has occurredin a bending machining.

Another feature of the present invention is to provide question answeraccumulating apparatus comprising means or inputting a question;

-   -   means for inputting an answer to the question; and    -   means for storing the question and the answer in a state        mutually correlated with each other.

According to this apparatus, machine operators' questions about dies orthe like and answers thereto are accumulated so that knowledge ofpractically skilled persons responding to the answers are accumulated ina state correlated with the answers and it is possible to respond to aquestion which will occurs in the future easily.

Another feature of the present invention can provide a die retrievalapparatus comprising input screen creating means which creates inputscreens (231, 233) provided with a field in which a plurality of shapesof a die is input, a field in which the kind of a machine used with thedie is input, a field in which a structure of the die is input, and afield in which material for the die is input; and standard die screencreating means which is actuated by inputting data pieces into therespective fields of the input screens and which, when a die meeting therespective data pieces exists, creates a standard die screen (235) fordisplaying a sectional configuration of the die, a parts list name, unitprices of respective parts, and, when no die meeting the respective datapieces exists, creates an error display.

According to this apparatus, it is made possible to select a die rapidlyby inputting intuitive data pieces such as a die adaptive machine, a dieshape or the like when a die is specified by combination of complicatedsymbols and when it is difficult to describe the combination of thesymbols.

Another feature of the present invention is to provide a productautomatic designing apparatus (product parameters setting apparatus)which is made possible to perform automatic designing of a die productat a door-to-door selling place or the like easily in answer to even arequirement for a product except for standard products. This productautomatic designing apparatus (product parameters setting apparatus) candesign a product shape on the basis of shape/material data of a group ofproducts which have been classified and registered based upon the shapepatterns of products in response to an estimate requirement for not onlystandard products on a product catalog but also specially shaped dieproducts which cannot be substituted for standard products. That is, adie product can be designed parametrically by a simple operation ofinputting predetermined size data regarding a selected shape pattern.

The structure for implementing this feature is, for example, a productautomatic designing apparatus (product parameters setting apparatus)which comprises die shape selection screen creating means which createsshape pattern selection screens (237, 239) used for selection of a shapeabout a die to be designed, and die dimension parameter input screencreating means which is actuated according to selection and input of aspecific shape pattern on the die shape selection screen and whichcreates a die dimension parameter input screen (241) which allows inputof dimension parameters of predetermined portions about the selected dieshape, wherein

-   -   the shape pattern selection screen (237) includes at least a        field which allows selection of the kind of a die to be designed        and a field which allows selection of a shape pattern regarding        the die to be designed;    -   the die dimension parameter input screen (241) includes at least        a shape parameter input field (241 b) which displays a dimension        parameter input portion required to specify the selected die        shape pattern and the shape of the die to be designed and a        dimension parameter input field (241 c) in which a dimension        parameter of the input portion is input; and    -   the product automatic designing apparatus (product parameter        designing apparatus) comprises design means which performs a        design according to a correspondence relationship between die        shapes which have been classified on the basis of die shape        patterns and stored previously and dimension parameter groups        required to specify the shape of the die.

Incidentally, it is preferable that the previously stored shape patternis stored so as to correspond to a plurality of dimension parametergroups required to specify the die shape belonging to the shape pattern,and the dimension input screen is further provided with a dimensioninput pattern selection field which allows selection of one dimensionparameter group from the plurality of dimension parameter groups.

Also, it is preferable that the shape pattern selection screen furthercomprises adapted shape display field which displays one or a pluralityof shape sub-patterns contained in shape variation included in theselected shape pattern.

According to this structure, a sales person can design a special shapedie parametrically at a door-to-door selling place without such aconsciousness that this die is a special shape die. Accordingly, he/shecan design the special shape die at the door-to-door selling placewithout bringing a customer's requirement back to the design department.

Another feature of the present invention is to provide a machiningpossibility calculating apparatus which allows verification ofpossibility of real machining about the designed die product rapidly andeasily.

This machining possibility calculating apparatus verifies whether or nota desired machining can be performed on the designed die product on thebasis of shape data/material data about the designed product, materialquality data of material to be machined, and the like. Also, theapparatus checks consistency among input dimension parameters.

The structure realizing this feature comprises, for example, die datainput means which inputs die data including shape data of apredetermined die specified by the shape pattern and the dimensionpattern of a die to be designed, structure data of the die and materialquality data;

-   -   material data input means which inputs material data including        the plate thickness and material quality of a material to be        machined which is machined by the die; and    -   machining verification means which verifies whether or not the        die to be designed can be machined on the basis of the input die        data and material data.

Incidentally, it is preferable that the machining verification meansperforms the verification by comparing the resisting pressure of the diewhich has been obtained according to a strength calculation from the diedata and the machining request pressure required for machining performedby the die which has been obtained from the material data with eachother.

Furthermore, it is preferable that the machining verification meansperforms the verification by checking the consistency among the inputdimension data pieces.

According to this structure, since suitability about numerical values ofthe dimension parameters is checked, a determination about whether ornot it is possible to manufacture the designed product actually, namelyit is possible to provide the same, can be made instantaneously during amarketing activity. Accordingly, the number of work steps such aspreparation of drawing checking, redesigning or the like is reduced.

Another feature of the present invention is to provide an automaticestimate creating apparatus which provides an estimate about thedesigned and verified product instantaneously at a marketing place.

The automatic estimate creating apparatus which creates an estimateincluding data necessary to create an estimate of not only price data ofa product which has been designed/verified but also price reductionlimitation and delivery time limit data.

The structure realizing this feature comprises input means which inputsproduct data of a product for which an estimate is to be prepared, thenumber of products, and customer data;

-   -   estimate data storage means in which delivery time limit data        corresponding to the product and data about price reduction rate        to a fixed price of a die product is stored; and    -   detailed estimate information creating means which outputs        detailed estimate information on the basis of the input data,    -   wherein the detailed estimate information output includes        deliverable data determined according to the delivery time limit        data and an amount obtained by discount according to the        discount rate data.

Incidentally, it is preferable that the product for which the estimateis to be created can be input by specifying the shape and/or materialquality of the product.

According to the structure, since product data is displayed in ainterlocking manner with design data specified from the shape or thelike, it becomes unnecessary to perform complicated search/re-input froma large number of product codes, catalog numbers or the like. Also, itbecomes possible to create an estimate including all informationnecessary for estimate rapidly and easily. Accordingly, an estimate iscreated instantly at a marketing place so that an early sales commitmentcan be obtained.

Another feature of the present invention is to provide an orderreception information outputting apparatus which allows an instant orderreception regarding the estimated product to issue a productioninstruction. This order reception information outputting apparatus cansecure an order reception to issue a manufacture instruction whilepresenting the contents of an estimate to a customer at a marketingplace, and can make a communication with manufacture scheduleinformation a remote place to output a deliverable data according to themanufacture schedule at this time.

The structure realizing this feature comprises, for example, orderreception information screen creating means which displays an orderreception information screen of a product ordered at a marketing place;and

-   -   order reception information transmitting means which is actuated        by clicking a specific mark on the order reception information        screen and which transmits the order reception information to a        manufacture end.

Incidentally, in addition, it is preferable that the order receptioninformation outputting apparatus further comprises delivery data updatedisplaying means which displays change in delivery data of a product onthe order reception information screen on the basis of data received inresponse to transmission of the order reception information.

According to this structure, it is possible to secure an order receptionrapidly and start manufacture at an early time. Accordingly, an earlydelivery of a product is made possible.

Incidentally, in the specification of the present application, the term“sale object” includes products such as a die apparatus, a machine part,a blade of a machine, a machine or the like, and services such asmaintenance of these products.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a supportingapparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a table of contents screen displayedon a display screen of the supporting apparatus of the presentinvention;

FIG. 3 is one example of a product catalog screen displayed on thedisplay apparatus;

FIG. 4 is one example of an increase profit screen displaying increaseprofit displayed on the display screen;

FIG. 5 is one example of an inferiority phenomenon screen displayed onthe displaying apparatus;

FIG. 6 is one example of a inferiority phenomenon cause screendisplaying a list of causes generating an inferiority phenomenon shownin FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is one example of an avoidance information screen displayinginformation for avoiding inferiority causes shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is one example of an information screen displaying another methodfor solving the cause shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is an explanatory screen for explaining a special die foravoiding the inferiority phenomenon shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 10 is one example of a clearance diagnostic test screen serving asa reference value screen displayed on the displaying apparatus byclicking a predetermined portion on the screen shown in FIG. 6 in a casethat the cause in FIG. 6 is a clearance unsuitableness;

FIG. 11 is an accompanying disadvantage and the like display screenwhich is displayed by clicking a predetermined portion on the screenshown in FIG. 10, for displaying an accompanying inferiority phenomenonor disadvantage due to the clearance unsuitableness;

FIG. 12 is a cause/countermeasure screen which is displayed by clickinga display portion of the characters “BENDING” on the screen in FIG. 2,for displaying a cause of an inferiority phenomenon in a bendingmachining and a plurality of countermeasures for avoiding theinferiority phenomenon;

FIG. 13 is a screen for explaining the details of a predeterminedcountermeasure in FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a bending die display screen (special bending die screen)which is displayed by clicking a predetermined portion on the screen inFIG. 12 or FIG. 13, for explaining a countermeasure bending die (ornovel bending die);

FIG. 15 is a special bending die detail explanatory screen which isdisplayed by clicking a predetermined portion on the screen in FIG. 14,for explaining the details of suitable material for the countermeasurebending die (novel bending die), a suitable apparatus, functions and thelike;

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram of a die list screen showing a list ofpunching dies/bending dies and a die data input screen in which data ofstandard dies is input;

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram of a second die data input screen forselecting a standard die in punching dies;

FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram of a second die data input screen forselecting a standard die in punching dies;

FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram of a second die data input screen forselecting a standard die in punching dies;

FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram of a parts list screen which isdisplayed according to a standard die selection in punching dies;

FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram of a punching die selection screendisplaying a list of punching dies and shape patterns;

FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram of a punching die selection screendisplayed when a predetermined shape pattern is selected in FIG. 20;

FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram of a dimension parameter input screendisplayed in response to selection of the shape pattern of the punchingdie in FIG. 20 and FIG. 21;

FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram of a dimension parameter input screendisplayed when another dimension parameter group is selected in FIG. 22;

FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram of a screen showing the result ofmachining possibility simulation for a punching die manufacturedaccording to input dimension parameters, material and material qualityin FIG. 23;

FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram of a parts list screen displayed inresponse to a special die selection in punching dies;

FIG. 27 is an explanatory diagram of a punch die selection screendisplaying a list of bending dies and shape patterns;

FIG. 28 is an explanatory diagram of a dimension parameter input screendisplayed in response to shape pattern selection for a bending die inFIG. 26;

FIG. 29 is an explanatory diagram of a special item input screendisplayed in response to special item input selection in FIG. 27;

FIG. 30 is an explanatory diagram of a screen showing the result ofmachining possibility simulation for a bending die manufacturedaccording to input dimension parameters, material and material quality;

FIG. 31 is an explanatory diagram of a screen showing the result ofmachining possibility simulation of a bending die manufactured accordingto dimension parameters of different values, material and materialquality in FIG. 29;

FIG. 32 is an explanatory diagram of an estimate detail informationinput screen displayed in response to a die product selection on theparts list screen;

FIG. 33 is an explanatory diagram of an estimate detail informationinput screen displayed in response to another die product selection onthe parts list screen;

FIG. 34 is an explanatory diagram of an example of an estimate output inresponse to selection of estimate issue on the screen in FIG. 31;

FIG. 35 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a main menu on aportable terminal for sales person according to an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 36 is an explanatory diagram of a screen for selecting a workpieceshape on the basis of a customer's drawings;

FIG. 37 is an explanatory diagram of a screen in which workpiecedimensions are input;

FIG. 38 is an explanatory diagram of a screen for selecting a dieaccording to workpiece shape/workpiece dimensions;

FIG. 39 is an explanatory diagram of a screen indicating additionalmachining to a selected die on the screen in FIG. 38;

FIG. 40 is an explanatory diagram of a screen displaying resistingpressure calculation of the die which has been subjected to theadditional machining specified in FIG. 39;

FIG. 41 is an explanatory diagram of a screen displaying a price of thedie including the additional machining specified in FIG. 39;

FIG. 42 is an explanatory diagram of a screen indicating antheradditional machining to the selected die; and

FIG. 43 is an explanatory diagram of a screen displaying resistingpressure calculation of the die which has been subjected to theadditional machining specified in FIG. 42.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

An embodiment of the present invention will be explained below withreference to the drawings.

Referring to FIG. 1, an embodiment of a marketing supporting apparatusof the present1 1 invention comprises a database 105 in which data isstored, a display apparatus 106, and a communication apparatus 107performing communication of data with an external apparatus. A marketingsupporting apparatus 101 comprises a product proposal supporting section102, an estimate creating section 103, and an order receptioninformation creating apparatus 104. Then, the product proposalsupporting section 102 comprises an increase profit calculationapparatus 122, an inferiority phenomenon countermeasure guidingapparatus 123, and a product catalog output apparatus 121. Also, theestimate creating section 103 comprises a product automatic designingapparatus (product parameter setting apparatus) (die retrievalapparatus) 132, a machining possibility calculation apparatus 133, andan estimate information output apparatus 131. Also, the product database105 comprises a standard product database 105 in which data aboutstandard dies is stored, a pattern special die database 152 in whichspecial dies patterned are stored, and a non-patterned special diedatabase 153 in which extremely special dies which cannot be patternedare stored.

For the marketing supporting apparatus 101 in the present embodiment, aprogram performing processing explained below is created and a computersystem which can execute this processing by loading this created programis used. This computer system includes a so-called general purposemachine, a workstation, a PC, a NC (Network Computer) or the like. Inthe present invention, however, it is preferable that a portable type PCwhich can be carried to a marketing place. The hardware configuration ofthe computer system used in the present embodiment is provided with aCPU for performing various processings, a memory such as a programmemory/data memory or the like, an external storage apparatus such as aFD, a CD or the like, and an output apparatus such as a display unit orthe like. The processings explained below can be performed as off-lineprocessings in a single PC without connection to a computer in a headoffice or a branch office except for processings which are performed inthe order reception information creating apparatus 104.

Incidentally, the program for implementing the marketing supportingapparatus of the present embodiment is can be saved in one of variousrecording media such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a memory cardand the like. The present embodiment can be implemented by readingrecording medium into the program memory to execute the program.

Next, processing contents of the marketing supporting apparatusaccording to the embodiment of the present invention will be explained.

When the supporting apparatus is actuated, a contents table screen 200shown in FIG. 2 is displayed on the display apparatus 106 (hereinafter,a case that the term “displayed” is merely used means that “display” isperformed on the display apparatus 106 when there is no specialexplanation). Displayed on this contents table screen are a productintroduction field 201, a various phenomena countermeasure (namely,inferiority phenomena countermeasure) field 203, and a question answerfield 204. Incidentally, sub-fields of a punching field 203 a and abending (curving) field 203 b are displayed on the various phenomenacountermeasure field 203.

In the above, for example, when a display portion of the productintroduction field 201 is clicked, the product catalog output apparatus121 is actuated, and a product introduction screen 205 (a first dieapparatus screen) as shown in FIG. 3 is displayed. In FIG. 3, as oneexample, triple holders holding three dies are displayed. According tothis holder, once the holder is set on a punch press, punching machiningof three kinds corresponding to the three dies mounted on the holder canbe performed without exchanging dies.

According to the supporting apparatus of this invention, increase profitobtained by using the triple holder can easily be calculated. That is,when a predetermined portion on the display screen 205 in FIG. 3 isclicked, an increase profit screen 207 displayed in FIG. 4 is displayed.The increase profit screen 207 displays increase profit occurring byemploying a triple holder instead of a single holder holding only onedie. That is, displayed on this screen 207 are a question 207 a forasking the number of holder exchanges per day, a question 207 b forasking an exchanging time required per one time, a question 207 c forasking labor cost of a worker per one hour, and a question 207 forasking working days per one month. Answer fields 207 e, 207 f, 207 g and207 h in which an operator inputs answers to these questions areprovided. That is, the field 207 e in which an answer to the question207 a is input, the field 207 f in which an answer to the question 207 bis input, the field 207 g in which an answer to the question 207 c isinput, and the field 207 h in which an answer to the question 207 d areprovided. Then, when an operator writes answers in these fields, a laborcost (one month) required for holder exchanges occurring when a singleholder is used is displayed on a field 207 i, a labor cost per one monthcorresponding to a case of use of a triple holder is displayed on afield 207 j, and increase profit per one month occurring when a tripleholder is used instead of a single holder is displayed on a field 207 k.

According to the invention, regarding to the triple holder (the firstdie apparatus), increase of profit obtained by the use of the tripleholder instead of the single holder is calculated easily. In otherwords, the cost waste made by the use of the single holder (the seconddie apparatus) is grasped easily, and so is the cost reduction by theuse of the triple holder (the first die apparatus). Next, when a fieldof the punching 203 a in the various phenomena countermeasures 203 isclicked on the contents table screen 200 shown in FIG. 2, the variousphenomena countermeasure guiding apparatus (inferiority phenomenacountermeasure guiding apparatus) 123 is actuated and an inferiorityphenomena screen 209 shown in FIG. 5 is displayed on the displayapparatus 106. Images 209 a, 209 b, 209 c and the like displayingvarious inferiority phenomena in a punching machining are displayed onthe screen 209. Then, for example, when a display portion of a strippingerror 209 b is clicked on the screen 209, the inferiority phenomenacause screen creating means is actuated, and an inferiority phenomenacause screen 211 displaying a plurality of causes generating thestripping error (inferiority phenomenon) is displayed on the displayapparatus 106 (FIG. 6). Incidentally, the stripping error means that aworkpiece bites a tip portion of a punch which has performed punchingmachining and a portion of the workpiece which has been subjected to thepunching machining is brought up according to elevation of the tipportion of the punch.

As shown in FIG. 6, punch blade tip melt adhesion 211 a, lubricantunsuitableness 221 b, clearance unsuitableness 211 c, wear 211 d, springfatigue 211 e and the like which may be causes of the stripping errorare displayed on the screen 211. Also, a simulation displaying asituation where the stripping error occurs as an animation together withthe plurality of causes 211 a to 211 e is displayed on a simulationdisplay section 211 g.

Accordingly, a drawback which has occurred in the material to bemachined can easily be grasped and understood as a stripping error inpunching machining by referring to this simulation screen. Also, sincethe causes of the stripping error are listed up on the screen 211, thecause of the inferiority phenomenon can easily be grasped and understoodby referring to the list and a countermeasure to the inferiorityphenomenon can be proposed. An avoidance information screen 213displaying a method (information) for avoiding this cause is displayedby clicking a display portion of one cause in the cause list (FIG. 7).In this embodiment, for example, when a display portion 211 e of thespring fatigue (cause) is clicked, a spring fatigue avoidanceinformation screen 213 shown in FIG. 7 is displayed. For example, suchinformation that it is necessary to exchange springs periodically inorder to avoid the spring fatigue is displayed on this screen 213. Indetail, information 213 a that it is necessary to perform exchange foreach two years when pressure of 1.2 tons or less is applied(corresponding to 1,000,000 hits), it is necessary to perform exchangefor each year when pressure of 1.2 tons to 3.2 tons is applied(corresponding to 500,000 hits), and it is necessary to perform exchangefor each half a year when pressure of 3.2 tons to 6 tons is applied(corresponding to 200,000 hits) is displayed as criteria for exchange.

Therefore, according to the apparatus of the present invention and theabove screens, when a stripping error occurs and its cause is consideredto be spring fatigue, the necessity that spring exchange is performedperiodically at predetermined intervals in order to avoid such an erroris understood so that efficiency can be improved in machining.

When a predetermined portion is clicked on the screen 213 shown in FIG.7, a screen 215 shown in FIG. 8 is displayed. A countermeasure performedon a current die to reduce the number of exchanges of the die inpossible range and avoid the spring fatigue is displayed on this screen215. In this embodiment, for example, information 215 a showingnecessities of increase in die size and increase in spring force isdisplayed. Also, as problems occurring due to use of such a die,information 215 b about increase in cost of a die, necessity of changeof the program, or lack in the number of turret stations is alsodisplayed on the screen 215.

Accordingly, by referring to these information items 215 a, 215 b, itcan easily be understood that the increase in size of the die and theincrease in spring force can be applied to avoid the spring fatiguewhich is the problem but such problems as increase in cost of a die,necessity of program change, lack in the number of stations and the likeoccur.

Then, when a countermeasure product 211 f or 211 h shown in FIG. 6, or afield 213 b of FIG. 7 or a field 215 c of FIG. 8 is clicked, a screen217 shown in FIG. 9 is displayed on the display apparatus 106. In thisscreen 217, information 217 about a gas spring is displayed as a die foravoiding the stripping error. In particular, a sectional configurationof the gas spring is displayed at a portion indicated by referencenumeral 217 b. This gas spring uses a apparatus where gas is sealedinstead of a mechanical spring in order to urge a punch body 217 e and apunch head 217 f of a punch die upward against a punch guide 217 b.

Displayed on the screen 217 is also a graph 217 c showing that thepressure of the gas spring is larger than that of the mechanical springin a region where a stripping error is easy to occur. Furthermore,displayed on the screen 217 is information 217 d about preferablefunctions or effects obtained by a punch die of the gas spring.

Therefore, according to this screen 217, the structure of the gas springtype die, the advantages of the gas spring compared with a standard coilspring and the preferable functions of the gas spring can be understoodand grasped at once. Also, a determination can be made about whether ornot a gas spring type die should be employed as a countermeasure to thecurrent inferiority phenomenon in punching machining easily and rapidlywhile profitability is taken in consideration.

Incidentally, when an explanation field 217 e is clicked on the screen217, an animation where the punch body 217 e and the punch head 217 fare moved up and down relative to the punch guide 217 b is displayed ina simulation manner on the field 217 d, and sound for explaining thestructure and operation functions of the gas spring die is output from apredetermined sound apparatus. Thereby, the structure, the functions andthe operations of the gas spring can be understood more easily.

On the screen 211 shown in FIG. 6, when unsuitableness of an clearancesize formed between an inner diameter of a die and an outer diameter ofa punch chip is considered as a cause of a stripping error, a displayportion 211 of clearance unsuitableness is clicked on the screen 211.Thereby, reference value screen creating means is actuated so that aclearance diagnosis test screen 219 is displayed as a screen displayinga reference value (FIG. 10). In this embodiment, a question field 219 afor asking machined material to be used for machining, a question field219 b for asking the thickness of the material, and a question field 219c for asking a clearance in the machining are provided on the screen219. When an operator inserts answers to these questions, adetermination is made about whether the clearance value 219 f is toosmall, suitable or too large in view of the values 219 d and 219 e ofthe machined material quality and the thickness of the machinedmaterial. On this screen 219, it is displayed in a reference valuedisplay field 219 g that a standard value of a clearance to the machinedmaterial quality 219 d and the thickness 219 e is 0.3 mm, and a display219 h showing that a value 219 f of the clearance is small as comparedwith the reference value is displayed.

Next, when a display portion 219 i relating to the display 210 h isclicked, a screen 221 is displayed on the display apparatus (FIG. 11).This screen 221 is an accompanying disadvantage display screen 221display other inferiority phenomena or disadvantages which may occurwhen the clearance is below the suitable clearance. In detail,description 221 d is displayed on the screen 221 that, when the currentclearance is smaller than the suitable clearance, the secondary shearoccurs so that a large load applied to a punch and die. Also, adescription 221 a is displayed that according to advance of wear in apunch and a die, cost in consumption increases and the working ratio islowered. Furthermore, a description 221 b is displayed that productinferiority occurs, loss in material occurs and loss in machining chargeoccurs. Also, a description 221 c “twice or more decrease in cost can berealized by selecting a die for each material/plate thickness” isdisplayed.

Accordingly, referring to the screen 221, it is understood that, whenthe current clearance is smaller that a suitable clearance, variousdisadvantages or inferiority phenomena occur, and it is understood thatthe double or more decrease in cost can be achieved by using dies havingdifferent hole diameters for respective materials or plate thicknesses.Thereby, it is understood that it is important to set a clearance to asuitable value in order to achieve rapidness of machining or accuratemachining and for attaining decrease in cost. As a result, by referringto this, a suitable clearance can be achieved, accuracy in machining canbe improved, working ratio can be increased, and decrease in cost can beattained.

Incidentally, displayed on the screen 219 (FIG. 10) is information 219 jthat, when the clearance is larger; than a suitable clearance,“deformation of material becomes large prior to start of cutting, whichresults in the same as a case that the die has been consumed”. Thereby,it is understood that a drawback occurs even when the clearance is toolarge, and importance of selecting a clearance suitably is understood.

Therefore, by referring to these screens, a clearance can be selectedsuitably, and accuracy in machining, rapidness in machining or decreasein cost can be achieved.

Referring to FIG. 2 again, when a bending field 203 b for variousphenomena countermeasure is selected, a screen 223 shown in FIG. 12 isdisplayed in the display apparatus. This screen 223 is acause/countermeasure screen showing bending flaw occurrence of variousinferiority phenomena and a plurality of countermeasures (a first kindof countermeasures) for avoiding the bending flaw occurrence.Incidentally, the bending flaw means a flaw occurring at a machinedportion of a material indicated by each arrow of an explanation diagram223 a on the screen 223. As the countermeasures to the bending flaw,application of oil to a shoulder portion of a die (223 b), attachment ofa tape to a die (223 c), application of clamping state bending (223 d),application of vinyl-coating (223 e) and the like are displayed on thescreen 223. Incidentally, regarding these countermeasures, theirfeatures and directions corresponding to these countermeasures are alsodisplayed, respectively (223 f, 223 g). Also, besides the specificcountermeasures, general countermeasures for avoiding bending flawoccurrence are displayed in a field 223 h on the screen 223. Especially,as the third countermeasure of the general countermeasures, setting ofproper V width to required tons is displayed.

Accordingly, by referring to these displays, it can be understood easilythat when bending flaw occurs, what is considered as its cause, or whichcountermeasures can be employed to the cause (general countermeasuresand specific countermeasures). Therefore, one or a plurality of thesecountermeasures can be employed to minimize bending flaw occurrence in abending machining.

For example, when a display portion 223 b of countermeasure 1 isclicked, a screen 225 shown in FIG. 13 is displayed. Displayed on thisscreen 225 is a specific operation “apply oil to a shoulder portion of adie” through a drawing (225 a).

Accordingly, by referring to a display 225 a on the screen 225, aspecific content or specific operation of each countermeasure 1 caneasily be understood through a drawing or characters.

Next, when a countermeasure product display portion 223 i or 225 b onthe screen 223 or the screen 225 is clicked, a screen 227 is displayedon the display apparatus (FIG. 14) This screen 227 is a specific bendingdie screen showing that a new type die named “Selatic Die” can be usedin order to prevent the bending flaw from occurring. Formed on thescreen 227 is a display 227 b that a suitable material capable of usingthe Selatic Die is stainless steel, iron or the like as well as adisplay 227 a of features of the Selatic Die.

When a display 227 c displaying a shape of the Selatic Die through adrawing is clicked on the screen 227, a screen 229 is displayed on thedisplay apparatus (FIG. 15). More specific functions, suitable materialsor suitable apparatus are explained on the screen 229 in detail, asshown in FIG. 15.

Accordingly, by referring to the screens 227 and 229, a new die forbending flaw countermeasure can be evaluated easily and rapidly, so thatthe problem about the bending flaw can be rapidly solved.

Referring to FIG. 2 again, when the display portion 205 of Question andAnswer is clicked on the screen 200, the past questions and the answersthereto are displayed in a mutually related state. By referring tothese, an operator can refer to the past questions relating to theoperations, functions, movements of the die and, when there is anyquestions relating to the current problem, he/she selects thesequestions so that he/she can easily obtain the answer about the currentoutstanding problem of the die by referring to the answers displayedrelating to the respective questions. Then, when the question about thecurrently relating problem cannot be obtained from a list of thequestions accumulated in the past, these questions are input by thequestion input means. Thereby, these questions are transmitted to amaster supporting apparatus for supporting apparatus via a propercommunication means 107, and a practically skilled answerer who operatesthis master supporting apparatus inputs answers to these questions intothe master supporting apparatus. Thereby, these answers are transmittedfrom the master supporting apparatus to the supporting apparatus of thepresent invention, and they are stored a proper storage apparatus inthis supporting apparatus. Accordingly, the current outstanding problemcan be solved by utilizing this answer. Also, by storing the answer fromthis master supporting apparatus in a state relating to the question, anoperator can refer to this question and this answer when a questionsimilar thereto will occur, so that he/she can solve a problem whichwill occur in the future easily and rapidly. Incidentally, regarding anew question, when an operator operating this supporting apparatus cananswer the question, the operator inputs the answer into the supportingapparatus at the place. Thereby, the answer is stored in the storagemeans of the supporting apparatus in a state where it is related to thequestion.

When a die required by a customer is a standard one, the supportingapparatus of the present invention also serves as a die retrievalapparatus for selecting the required die easily and rapidly. That is,when a die is specified with a complicated combinations of symbols andit is difficult to remember the combination of symbols, the dieretrieval apparatus can select a standard die easily and rapidly byinputting intuitive data such as a machine suitable for use of a die,the shape of a die or the like.

This die retrieval apparatus is provided with input screen creatingmeans which creates input screens 231, 233 which includes a field inwhich a plurality of shapes of a die is input, a field in which the kindof a machine using a die is input, a field in which the structure of adie is input, and a field in which material quality of a die is input.The input screen is displayed, for example, as a first input screen 231shown in FIG. 16. Regarding, for example, a punching machining die, alist field 231 a which classifies trimming dies or forming dies on thisscreen 231. When a standard die field 231 b of the trimming dies isselected from the list field 231 a, a sectional configuration of thisstandard die is displayed on a shape field 231 c. In this embodiment, acircle, square, oval, rectangle, WD shape, SD shape, center punch,standard burring are displayed as standard shapes. Incidentally, in thisembodiment, the term “standard shape” denotes the shape determined withtwo parameters. When a selection button 231 d is pushed in a state shownin FIG. 16, the selection condition input screen 233 serving as a secondinput screen is displayed (FIG. 17, FIG. 18 and FIG. 19). Displayed onthis selection condition input screen 233 are a field 233 a in which thekind of a machine in which a die is used is input, a field 233 b inwhich a holder size of a die is input, a field 233 c in which thestructure of a punch of the dies is input, a field 233 d in whichmaterial quality of the punch is input, a field 233 e in which thestructure of the die is input, and a field 233 f in which the materialquality of the die is input.

Accordingly, when predetermined data is input into the respective fields233 a to 233 f, whether or not a standard die meeting these conditionsexists is retrieved in the supporting apparatus of the presentinvention. When the standard die exists, a standard die screen 235 asshown in FIG. 20 is created. Displayed on this standard die screen 235are a sectional configuration field 235 a showing a sectionalconfiguration of a die attached with numbers specifying parts, and apart name unit price field 235 b displaying the name and the unit priceof each part displayed on the sectional configuration field 235 a.

Accordingly, by referring to the screen 235, a price for each part in astandard die and a name of the part can be grasped easily. That is,according to the apparatus of the present invention, even when thecomplicated symbols for specifying the kind of a die is forgotten, it ispossible to specify the die and obtain information about the price foreach part in the die easily.

Incidentally, an error indication is displayed on the screen 231 or 233,when a die which does not exist is specified.

Next, functions of a marketing supporting apparatus according to thepresent embodiment performed when a required product does not exist instandard dies will be explained with reference to FIG. 21 to FIG. 31.

Incidentally, in the followings, the commercial article mainly denotes astandard product. When the article is merely called product, it denotesa standard product and a special shape product.

In this case, the marketing supporting apparatus according to thepresent embodiment serves as an automatic designing apparatus.

(1) One example where, when a required product is a punching die, it isa punch which is used for punching machining will be explained.

When selection and input is performed by clicking a predetermined punchkind from die kinds 237 a on a shape pattern selection screen 37 shownin FIG. 21 (which is merely called “clicked”), a die shape patternselection screen creating means is actuated, and the die shape patternselection screen creating means displays a plurality of shapes accordingto the selected kind on a shape display field 237 c in a linkage manner.Incidentally, in a case of a punching die, the shape pattern to bedisplayed shows a trimming hole shape formed by the punching die.

In FIG. 21, according to selection of a special shape 237 b forperforming trimming, corresponding shapes are displayed in a field 237c. When one pattern among the displayed trimming hole shape patterns isclicked and a selection field 237 d is clicked, die size parameter inputscreen creating means is actuated. Next, the die size parameter inputscreen creating means displays a size parameter input screen 241 (FIG.23) about the selected trimming shape pattern.

The product automatic designing apparatus (product parameter settingapparatus) 132 in this embodiment achieves automatic designing byretrieving the database 105. Shape data, material data, and commercialarticle data which are classified on the basis of shape patterns arestored in a corresponding manner in the database 105. Data of a productgroup corresponding to the shape patterns is divided to standard productdatabase 151, pattern special shape (non-standard product to which ashape pattern is applicable) database 152, and non-pattern special shape(non-standard product to which a shape pattern is not applicable)database which are then stored in respective memory regions.

Incidentally, as shown on the screen 239 (FIG. 22), various patterns,namely, adaptive shapes 239 c, which can obtain a specific shape byperforming shape change on the basis of the selected trimming shapepattern in a stage where a predetermined shape pattern has been clickedon the shape pattern selection screen 237. Accordingly, a confirmationcan easily be made about which trimming hole shape pattern the requiredspecial shape die belongs to.

FIG. 23 shows a die size input/output screen 241 for inputting sizeparameters corresponding to the shape pattern selected on the screen237.

A FIG. 241 b of the selected trimming hole shape pattern is displayed onthe screen while size parameters to be input for specifying a shape isdisplayed on a shape pattern in a corresponding manner. Referencesymbols A, B, K, R and S are size parameters required for specifying atrimming hole shape. While referring to the figure display 241 b,required sizes are input into size parameter input field 241 c. Here,when the size parameters are input, the trimming hole shape portion ofthe figure in the figure display 241 b is changed in shape according tothe input parameter values. Also, enlargement or reduction (241 l) orpositioning (241 m) of the figure display 241 b can be performedoptionally. The displayed figure can be printed (241 n).

Also, the size parameters shown about the shape pattern which is thesize input screen 241 are registered as a plurality of combinationsthereof in advance, and the respective combinations are limited to theminimum number of combinations required for specifying a shape whichincludes sizes. For this reason, it is made possible to specify therequired special shape die by input of the minimum number of parameteraccording to the size data specified by a customer. As shown in a sizeinput pattern display field 241 a, the first parameter combination among8 pattern-registered size parameter combinations which have beenregistered has been displayed in FIG. 23. In order to input sizeparameters of a different combination, such an operation may be employedthat a next size pattern screen is displayed by clicking an ordinarynext screen or an entire screen calling field. It is shown in a sizeinput pattern display field 243 b on the size input screen 243 in FIG.24 that the current pattern is the third size input pattern.

Incidentally, data pieces required for specifying die products exceptfor the dies for trimming hole shapes are respectively shown in acommercial article code field 241 e, a holder size field 241 f showing aaperture of a holder supporting a die, and structure fields/materialquality fields 241 g to 241 j of a punch or a die. The display contentsof these fields include data which has been input in advance on thecommercial article selection conditions input screen 233 (FIG. 18).

According to the above procedure, a shape including respective sizeparameters, a commercial article code, structure, material quality,holder size are specified, so that a design about a special shape diewhich is not included in standard products is completed.

Accordingly, a die specification required through a hand-writtendrawing(s) and the like is selected from trimming shape patterns definedpreliminarily, and the selected trimming hole shape pattern isshape-changed by applying specific size parameters thereto, so that adesired trimming hole shape can be specified.

(2) A case where a required product is a bending die.

Next, an example where a required product is a bending die used forbending machining will be explained. In the case of the bending die,reference shapes of respective standard products are stored as shapepatterns, and a die shape meeting a required product specification canbe obtained by shifting the selected shape patterns.

When a predetermined bending kind is clicked from die kinds 249 a on abending shape pattern selection screen 249 shown in FIG. 27, die shapepattern selection screen creating means is actuated. The die shapepattern selection screen creating means displays a plurality of shapepatterns of bending dies on a shape display field 249 c in aninterlocking manner according to the selected kind.

In FIG. 27, according to selection of a goose neck shape 249 b, acorresponding shape patterns are displayed in a field 249 c. When onepattern is clicked among the displayed goose neck shape patterns andselection field is clicked, a die size parameter input screen creatingmeans is actuated. Next, the die size parameter input screen creatingmeans displays a size specific input/output screen 251 (FIG. 28) aboutthe selected goose neck shape pattern. Incidentally, on the screen 249(FIG. 27), various patterns, namely, adaptive shapes 249 e, which canobtain a specific shape by performing shape-change on the basis of theselected goose neck shape pattern in a stage where a predetermined shapepattern 249 d has been clicked on the shape pattern selection screen 249can be displayed.

Accordingly, a confirmation can easily be made about which goose neckshape pattern the required special shape die belongs to. Incidentally,as shown in FIG. 27, in the case of the bending dies, respective shapepatterns correspond to specific commercial article codes and catalognumbers on a catalog. Accordingly, a stage where this shape pattern hasbeen selected means that size parameters (including an angle) about amain portion has been specified. In FIG. 27, numeral 453 in the selectedshape pattern 249 d displays upper three figures of a catalog number towhich the shape pattern belongs.

FIG. 28 shows a die shape specifying screen 251 in which size parametersare input according to the shape pattern selected on the screen 249.

A figure 251 b of the selected goose neck shape pattern and a dividedear shape are displayed on the screen 251 with size parameter values forspecifying the goose neck shape displayed on the shape pattern. An angleat a tip end portion used for bending is shown as 88° which is apredetermined value. Meanwhile, as for a tip end R (roundness of a tipend portion of a bending die), a plurality of selectable parametervalues, namely 0.2, 0.6, 0.8, 1,5 and 3.0, are displayed for the shapepattern.

While referring to this figure data 251 b, a desired tip end value isinput into a tip end R input field 251 c.

According to the above procedure, a shape including respective sizeparameters, a commercial article code, a catalog number, (and astructure, material quality and the like specified by the commercialarticle code and the catalog number) are specified, so that designing ofa standard product and a special shape die which is not covered withstandard products are completed.

Here, shape change is performed on the goose neck shape of the display251 a so that a goose neck shape of a special shape can be obtained. Inthis case, a special mention item field 251 d shown in FIG. 28 isclicked. In response to this click, die shape specifying screen creatingmeans is actuated. The die shape specifying screen creating meansdisplays a special mention item selection screen 253 (FIG. 29). Acommercial article code and catalog number 253 a of the selected shapepattern is displayed on the special mention item selection screen 253together with a corresponding commercial article name 253 a. Specialspecification items which are applicable to the selected shape patternare recited on an applicable special mention item field 253 c. In FIG.29, for example, when a customer specifying mark 253 d is selected, itis copied to an application special mention item field 253 g so thatspecial mention items to be applied can be grasped easily.

Also, regarding the selected shape pattern, an additional machining itemfield 253 e accompanying shape change is displayed on the specialmention item selection screen 253. Adjustment or the like of a tip endangle, a tip end R, a special ear shape, a product recess is madeselectable using the additional machining item field 253 e. Here, when atip end angle change 253 f is selected, the die shape specifying screencreating means further displays a tip end angel change screen 255 (FIG.30).

In FIG. 30, the selected goose neck shape pattern is displayed as figuredata 255 a while size parameters of portions capable of beingadditionally machined are shown. The current parameter values of a tipend angle (K) and the tip end R(R) which are changeable size parameterare displayed in a size input field 255 c. A special shape bending diecan be designed by replacing the displayed parameter values with desiredparameter values. The shape of the figure data 255 a is also changed anddisplayed in an interlocking manner with the replacement of theparameter values.

According to the above procedure, a shape including respective sizeparameters, a commercial article code, a structure and material qualityare specified so that designing of a special bending die which is notcovered with standard products is completed.

Accordingly, a die specification required through a hand-writtenfigure(s) or the like is selected from predetermined bending shapepatterns without consciousness about whether the die is a standardproduct or it is a special shape product, and size parameters necessaryfor additional machining are applied to the selected bending shapepattern so that a desired bending shape can be specified byshape-changing the bending shape pattern.

Next, functions of the marketing supporting apparatus according to thepresent embodiment which verifies whether or not a product which hasbeen designed according to the automatic designing apparatus can bemachined will be explained with reference to FIG. 21 to FIG. 31.

In this case, the marketing supporting apparatus according to thisembodiment functions as a machining possibility calculating apparatus.

(1) In a case of a punching die, first of all, one example where apunching die has been designed will be explained. The thickness andmaterial quality of a workpiece to be machined are input into themachined material input field 243 d on the above-mentioned input screen,for example, 243 (FIG. 24). As shown in FIG. 25, here, a clearance value245 f, the clearance being formed between an outer diameter of a punchand an inner diameter of a die, and the total number of shots 245 g arefurther input, and the machining possibility field 245 b is clicked.Material data input means actuated by this click delivers data ofmaterial to be machined to machining verification means according toinput of the data of material to be machined.

Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 24, according to input of a commercialarticle code 243 e of a punch, a holder size 243 f, structure andmaterial quality 243 g to 243 i of a punch/a die, the die data inputmeans delivers this shape data to the machining verification means.Incidentally, as the data pieces shown in 243 e to 243 i, data pieceswhich have been already input through input into the above-mentionedcommercial article condition input screen have been displayed.

The machining verification means first performs verification aboutwhether or not the design shape can be machined on the basis of thesemachined material data and die data. Specifically, the machiningpossibility means performs this verification by comparing resistingpressure obtained by strength calculation from die data of the selecteddie (shape data/structure data/material quality data) and machiningrequiring pressure required for punching workpiece on a specifiedmaterial which is required from material data (plate thickness andmaterial quality) with each other.

The machining verification means checks consistency about whether or notthe size parameters applied to the shape pattern constitute a trimminghole shape.

In FIG. 25, the results of these verifications is displayed as a message“capable of machining” on a message field 245 c.

Accordingly, determination about whether or not the die which has beendesigned in the automatic designing apparatus is a die which can bear anactual machining can be grasped simultaneously with the design of thedie.

(2) Case of a Bending Die

Next, one example where a bending die has been designed will beexplained. The plate thickness 255 f and the material quality 255 g of aworkpiece to be machined are input into the machined material inputfield on, for example, the field 255 of the above-mentioned die shapespecifying input screen (FIG. 30). Material data input means actuated byclicking the machining possibility field 255 b delivers data of thematerial to be machined to the machining verification means according toinput of these data pieces of material to be machined.

Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 30, when respective size data, materialquality data, structure data and a tip end angle or a tip end R of theshape pattern of the bending have been corrected, the die data inputmeans delivers the die data to the machining verification meansaccording to input of the corrected size data.

Also, as shown in FIG. 30, in the case of the bending die, the V widthof the die is further input. Since this V width has been registered inadvance as a default value, when input of the width is omitted, thedefault value is used as the V width. The V width data is also deliveredto the machining verification means as a part of the die data. Themachining verification means performs verification similar to the case(1) of the punching die on the basis of these material data and diedata.

As shown on a machining possibility verification screen 255 (FIG. 30),the verification result about machining possibility “resisting pressure:45 ton/m and machining requiring pressure: 51 ton/m (calculation as Vwidth=48 mm) is displayed in the message field 255 j. Simultaneously, analarm message “resisting pressure lack” is displayed on the messagefield 255 k to call an operator's attention.

Accordingly, a determination about whether or not the bending die whichhas been designed in the automatic designing apparatus is a die whichcan bear an actual machining can be grasped by the display of theverification result simultaneously with the designing.

Next, functions of the marketing supporting apparatus according to thisembodiment which creates estimate information of a product which hasbeen designed by the automatic designing apparatus and has been verifiedby the machining possibility calculating apparatus will be explainedwith reference to FIG. 26 to FIG. 34.

In this case, the marketing supporting apparatus according to theembodiment functions as an estimate information outputting apparatus.

As shown on the parts list screen 247 (FIG. 26), parts relating to apunch to be estimated are displayed on a parts display field 247 a byselection of the shape pattern and input of the size parameters asdescribed in FIG. 22 to FIG. 25 without directly inputting a commercialarticle code, a catalog number and the like. Purchase unit of the dieproduct which has been designed and verified is displayed on a partslist display field 247 b so as to correspond to the display of parts.

When a predetermined purchase unit is selected by clicking on this partslist field 247 b, detail estimate information creating means isactuated. This detail estimate information creating means reflects anddisplays the commercial article data of the selected die product on anestimate list field 259 c of the estimate detail screen 259 shown inFIG. 32.

Like the above, regarding the bending die, as shown on the parts listscreen 251 (FIG. 28), when a predetermined purchase unit is selected byclicking on this parts list field 251 b, detail estimate informationcreating means is actuated. This detail estimate information creatingmeans reflects and displays the commercial article data of the selecteddie product on an estimate list field 259 c of the estimate detailscreen 259 shown in FIG. 32.

FIG. 32 is the estimate detail screen 259 in this embodiment. Thecommercial article data such as a commercial article code of a dieproduct selected from each list, a catalog number, quantity, shape, acommercial product name and the like is displayed on the estimate listfield 259 c. When a calculation button 259 m is clicked on the estimatedetail screen 259, the estimate of each die product displayed in thelist is displayed.

Price data and delivery time data about each die product to be estimatedcan be confirmed on the estimate detail screen 259. For example, it isassumed that, for example, a die product of a catalog number 45302E hasbeen pointed in the second line of the estimate list field 259 c.Regarding the pointed die product, unit cost 259 g, price 259 p,discount rate 259 k, discount amount 2591 and the like are displayed asprice data together with a commercial article name 259 f. This discountrate 259 k is a value which has been set in advance for each customerand for each product (each product group). The discount amount 259 l iscalculated on the basis of the discount rate 259 k and the product unitcost 259 g, and an estimate amount is displayed as a value obtained bysubtracting the discount amount 2591 from the product unit cost 259 g.At this time, it is possible to select application of a variablediscount rate set for each customer or application of a fixed discountrate.

Simultaneously, a reference delivery time 259 h, a deliverable day 259i, a customer request delivery day 259 j and the like are displayed asdelivery time data. As for the reference delivery time, a value(necessary days) which has been set preliminarily for each product (eachproduct group) is displayed with a specific delivery time code in acorresponding manner.

Day obtained by decoding this delivery time code to the number ofnecessary days to add the same to the current date is displayed on thedeliverable day 259 i.

When an estimate issue button 259 n is clicked on the detail estimatescreen 259, information on the detail estimate screen 259 is output asan estimate 263 of a formal format which can be submitted to a customer(FIG. 34). As shown in FIG. 34, an offered price 263 i to which a totaldiscount amount 263 h applied to the estimated die product is appliedcan be presented. Incidentally, the estimate can be output not only to aprinter connected to the marketing supporting apparatus according to theembodiment but also to a facsimile provided on a place specified by afax output indication button 261 i (FIG. 33).

Accordingly, it is made possible to input a die product to be estimatedeasily and rapidly by specifying commercial article data from the shapepattern and the size parameters without directly inputting a commercialarticle code or a catalog number. Incidentally, in this time, it is amatter of course that input contents of the shape and size parameters(shape data) which have been input by the design and verification arestored and corresponding commercial article data can be input in aninterlocking manner with the input means for estimate information on thebasis of the stored shape data.

Also, discount data and delivery time data necessary to present anestimate is stored in advance and the estimate is prepared using thesedata pieces so that an instant response of a required die product can beperformed.

Finally, the marketing supporting apparatus according to this embodimentwhich outputs and transmits order reception information according to theprepared estimate information of a product will be explained.

In this case, the marketing supporting apparatus according to theembodiment functions as an order reception information creatingapparatus.

When a customer indicates his/her intention of purchase on the estimatedetail screen 259 shown in FIG. 32 or in response to the output resultof this estimate detail information, an order reception decision button259 o is clicked on the estimate detail screen 259.

Order reception information to which an order reception number has beengiven and which including the contents of the estimate information isprepared by clicking this order reception decision button 259 o. Here, asales person connects a predetermined portable communication equipment107 (FIG. 1) to the marketing supporting apparatus according to theembodiment, and he/she online-transmits/reflects the order receptioninformation to a head office database such as order receptiondatabase/manufacture database (not shown) or the like through theportable communication equipment 107. The order reception database inthe head office is updated by the transmission of the order receptioninformation, and simultaneously a manufacture instruction can betransmitted to a manufacture department having the manufacture databaseat real time to instruct manufacture start.

The manufacture schedule and the delivery schedule about theorder-received die product are stored in the manufacture database in thehead office. For this reason, the marketing supporting apparatusaccording to the embodiment can obtain deliverable day as return data totransmission of the order reception information in view of an actualschedule about the order-received die product.

After transmission of the order reception information, it is possible tooutput an order acknowledgment through a printer, a facsimile or thelike to provide it to a customer by clicking a predetermined button onthe screen in FIG. 32.

Meanwhile, in a case that the marketing supporting apparatus accordingto the embodiment is used off line, after an sales person returns backto a sales branch or the like, he/she may reflect this order receptioninformation to the head office database such as order receptiondatabase/manufacture database or the like.

Accordingly, it is made possible to decide an order reception rapidlyand start manufacture early. That is, the order-received die product canbe delivered early.

Incidentally, FIG. 35 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a mainmenu 265 on a portable terminal for a sales person according to theembodiment of the present invention. A series of processings of theabove marketing support belongs to a consultant 265 d and an estimate265 e in a day processing menu 265 b on the main menu. Besides theprocessings for the above-mentioned sales support, processings necessaryfor morning, day (daytime), and evening according to a timetable of oneday of a sales person, respectively can be timely called from one mainmenu 265 to be processed.

FIG. 36 to FIG. 43 show another embodiment of the machining possibilitycalculating apparatus.

In this case, a bending die is selected on the basis of a workpieceshape. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 36, first, a display 270 a isclicked on a left field on a workpiece selection screen 270. Thereby,selection branches 270 b are displayed on a right field on the screen270. Here, for example, a workpiece shape 270 c is selected on the basisof an order drawing from a customer. Then, as shown in FIG. 37, a workpiece size input screen 272 is displayed on the display apparatus. Whilereferring to a workpiece shape 272 a on a right field, desired numeralsare input into a size field 272 b on a left field. At this time, a sizeguide display 272 c is displayed on the right field in an aspectaccompanying the workpiece shape 272 a.

Accordingly, input of sizes of the workpiece can easily be performed.Thereafter, for example, a standard die 272 e is selected from a dieselection field 272 d.

As shown in FIG. 38, an interference state display screen 274 showing aninterference state between the workpiece shape 272 and the standard dieshape 274 a is displayed. As shown in FIG. 38, when the standard die 274a interferes with the workpiece, another standard die 274 b is selectedfrom the die selection field 274 displayed simultaneously. Thereby,while referring to the interference between a workpiece and a selecteddie, an optimal die can be selected easily.

When there is no die that does not interfere with the workpiece instandard dies included in the die selection field 272 d, a die 276 awhich does not interfere with the workpiece so much is selected from thestandard dies of the die selection field 272 d and it is additionallymachined (FIG. 39). In this case, as shown in FIG. 39, after the minimuminterference die 276 a is selected, an additional machining & resistingpressure calculation field 276 b is clicked. Thereby, as shown in FIG.40, an additional machining specifying screen 278 is displayed. Aposition and an amount of additional machining are input in anadditional machining specifying field 278 a on this screen 278. Thereby,a locus of an additional machining is displayed on a screen displayingthe die 276 a and the workpiece 272 a. Accordingly, according to thisapparatus, the position/amount of additional machining can easily bedetermined while referring to the screen. When input of theposition/amount of the additional machining is completed, a calculationabout whether a die which has been machined additionally can be used ismade simultaneously, and the calculation result is displayed on a leftfield 278 c on the screen 278. Accordingly, a determination aboutpossibility of the additional machining is made easily.

According to the above, when the additional machining is determined tobe performed and an amount reference field 278 d is clicked, a pricedisplay screen 280 shown in FIG. 41 is displayed. A die price inputfield 280 a and an additional machining price input field 280 b areincluded on this price display screen 280. Therefore, according to thisapparatus, a price of the final die including the additional machiningcost can easily be confirmed.

FIG. 42 and FIG. 43 show a case that, when the additional machining isperformed on an appropriate standard die 274 a, the die has been madeunusable as a result.

In this case, when a proper amount of additional machining is input intoan additional machining specifying field 282 a of an additionalmachining specifying screen 282 and an additional machining performingfield b is clicked, an additional machining result screen 284 shown inFIG. 43 is displayed. A reason that the die which has been subjected toadditional machining is unusable is displayed in an impossible reasondisplay field 284 a on this screen 284.

Incidentally, the screens 270, 272, 274, 276, 278, 280, 282, and 284 arerespectively created by respective screen creating means for creatingeach screen.

Incidentally, the present invention is not limited to the aboveembodiments, but it may be modified in various manners without departingfrom the scope of the present invention.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

As explained above, according to the present invention, the followingeffects can be attained.

That is, functions for retrieving/displaying a product to be proposedare provided through various approaches such as increase profitcalculation, a problem solving die or the like from many product groups.For this reason, efficient and various product proposal activities canbe employed.

Also, the present invention provides functions for storing shapepatterns and corresponding size parameters of products relating toproduct data to perform automatic designing/drawing checking/estimatingin an interlocking manner. For this reason, it is made possible topropose an estimate about not only standard products but also specialshape products instantaneously without returning back to a head officeand perform early order reception/early delivery.

In this manner, using the present invention, it is made possible toimprove marketing productivity in both stages of commercial articleproposal and preparation of estimate and to shorten product deliverytime and reduce marketing costs.

1. A die retrieval apparatus comprising: a die data input screen creatorwhich creates die data input screens provided with a plurality of fieldsin which features of a marketing object are input; and a standard diescreen creator which is actuated by inputting data items into respectivefields on the die data input screens and which, when a marketing objectcorresponding to the respective data items exists, creates a standarddie screen for displaying a price relating to the marketing object and,when no marketing object corresponding to the respective data itemsexists, creates an error indication.
 2. A die retrieval apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the plurality of fields in which featuresof a marketing object are input include a field in which a shape of themarketing object is input, a field in which the kind of a machine inwhich the marketing object can be used is input, fields in which thestructure of the marketing object is input, and fields in which thematerial quality of the marketing object is input.
 3. A die retrievalapparatus according to claim 2, wherein a part list name of themarketing object and a price of each part are displayed on the standarddie screen.
 4. A product parameter setting apparatus comprising: amarketing object shape selection screen creator which creates shapepattern selection screens for selecting a shape relating to a marketingobject to be set with parameters; and a marketing object size parameterinput screen creator which is actuated according to selection and inputof a specific shape pattern on the marketing object shape selectionscreens to create a marketing object size parameter input screen whichcontains size parameters of predetermined portions about the selectedmarketing object shape.
 5. An apparatus according to claim 4, whereinthe shape parameter selection screens includes a field for selecting thekind of the marketing object to be set with parameters and a field forallowing a shape pattern relating to the marketing object to be set withparameters.
 6. A product parameter setting apparatus according to claim5, wherein the marketing object size parameter input screen comprises: ashape pattern display field which displays the selected marketing objectshape pattern and a size parameter input portion necessary forspecifying the shape of the marketing object to be set with parameters,and a size parameter input field which allows input of size parametersof the input portion.
 7. A product parameter setting apparatus accordingto claim 6, further comprising: a parameter setter which performsparameter setting on marketing object products which are classified onthe basis of shape patterns of marketing objects, the parameter settingbeing performed according to correspondence relationship between theshapes of the marketing objects which have been stored in advance andsize parameter groups necessary for specifying the shapes of themarketing objects.
 8. A product parameter setting apparatus according toclaim 7, wherein the shape pattern is stored so as to correspond to aplurality of size parameter groups necessary for specifying the shape ofthe marketing object which belongs to the shape pattern, and themarketing object size parameter input screen includes a size inputpattern selection field which allows selection of one size parameterfrom the plurality of size parameter groups.
 9. A product parametersetting apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the shape patternselection screens further comprises an application shape display fieldwhich displays at least one shape sub-patterns included in shapevariations of the selected shape pattern.
 10. An automatic productdesigning apparatus, comprising: a marketing object shape patternselection screen creator which creates a shape pattern selection screenwhich allows selection of a trimming hole shape of a marketing objectapparatus used for machining of a predetermined kind; and a marketingobject size parameter input screen creator which is actuated accordingto the selection and input of a specific trimming hole shape pattern onthe marketing object shape selection screen to create a marketing objectsize parameter input screen which allows input of size parameters aboutthe trimming hole shape pattern of the selected marketing object,wherein the shape pattern selection screen includes at least a fieldwhich allows selection of the kind of a marketing object to be designed,and a field which allows selection of the trimming hole shape pattern ofthe marketing object to be designed; and the marketing object sizeparameter input screen includes at least a shape pattern display fieldwhich displays the trimming shape pattern of the selected marketingobject and an input portion of size parameters necessary for specifyingthe trimming hole shape of the marketing object to be designed, and asize parameter input field which allows input of size parameters of theinput field.
 11. An automatic product designing apparatus, comprising: amarketing object shape pattern selection screen creator which creates ashape pattern selection screen which allows selection of a shape of amarketing object used for machining of a predetermined kind; and amarketing object size parameter input screen creator which is actuatedaccording to the selection and input of a specific shape pattern on themarketing object shape selection screen to create a marketing objectsize parameter input screen which allows input of size parameters aboutthe shape pattern of the selected marketing object, wherein the shapepattern selection screen includes at least a field which allowsselection of the kind of the marketing object to be designed, and afield which allows selection of the shape pattern relating to themarketing object to be designed; and the marketing object size parameterinput screen includes at least a shape pattern display field whichdisplays the selected marketing object shape pattern and main size dataof the marketing object shape pattern, and a size parameter input fieldwhich allows shift of the selected shape pattern and input of sizeparameters for specifying a desired shape.
 12. A product parametersetting apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the shape patternselection screens further comprise an application shape display fieldwhich displays at least one shape sub-patterns included in shapevariations of the selected shape pattern.